The impacts of climate change on farming systems in Scotland will be discussed by Scottish Executive policy makers at a seminar/workshop tomorrow (23 November) funded by the Macaulay Institute, Aberdeen, the British Council and the Scottish Executive.

More than 20 representatives from the Scottish Executive’s Agricultural Policy and Climate Change Units, the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA), the Soil Association and other relevant parties, are attending the ‘Climate Change and Agriculture: are we asking the right questions?’, which takes place on Wednesday 23 November at the Scottish Executive’s premises at Victoria Quay, Edinburgh.

The aim of the seminar is to present the preliminary findings of an integrated assessment study of the impacts of climate change on farming systems in Scotland. The study uses an integrated modelling framework developed at the Macaulay Institute, to examine the impacts on farm finances, environment and management practices.

Presentations will be made by Mike Rivington from the Macaulay Institute’s Land Use Change Group, and by Dr Gianni Bellocchi, a Researcher from the Agriculture Research Council, Bologna, Italy, who has been involved in the initial study.

Mr Rivington said: “The seminar will demonstrate a method for exploring the possibilities for both climate change adaptation and amelioration. Participants will be asked to review the presented approach and initial findings, then in groups to suggest possible adaptation and amelioration strategies. This will allow the research team to ensure we are asking the right questions and addressing appropriate issues.”

“The outcomes of this study will inform practitioners, advisors and policy makers by providing evidence on the way biophysical, economic and policy environments interact.”

The Macaulay Institute is the premier land use research institute in the UK. Two hundred and seventy staff are based at the Macaulay Institute at Craigiebuckler in Aberdeen. The Macaulay Institute aims to be an international leader in research on the use of rural land resources for the benefit of people and the environment and is involved in research across the globe; from Scotland to Chile and China. More about the Macaulay Institute can be found at www.macaulay.ac.uk.

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For further information contact: Karen Sage Tricker PR Office 01224 654 087 Mobile 07795 522012 Email ksage@trickerpr.com

Scottish Executive media contact: Lisa McCormick – 0131 244 1725/07810 507 013